Student Success Grant Rule Scrapped: Department of Education's New Policy Nullified

The Department of Education's rule on the "Postsecondary Student Success Grant" (89 Fed. Reg. 48517) has been officially nixed. This means the whole framework for how that grant money was supposed to be used is now out the window.

Killing the Grant

This bill throws out the rulebook on the Postsecondary Student Success Grant. This isn't just a minor tweak; it's a full stop. The policies and procedures detailed in the Federal Register (89 Fed. Reg. 48517) are no longer valid or enforceable. So, whatever plans colleges and universities had for using this grant to boost student success, they're back to square one.

Real-World Impact

Imagine a community college that planned to use these funds to expand its tutoring program, specifically targeting first-generation students. Or picture a trade school that was going to upgrade its equipment to better prepare students for in-demand jobs, using this grant. With the rule gone, those initiatives are in limbo. This impacts not just the schools, but also the students – whether they're aiming for a four-year degree, learning a trade, or picking up skills for a career change. It could mean fewer resources, less support, and potentially tougher paths to graduation and good jobs.

The Challenges Ahead

While this bill might have been passed to remove regulations that some saw as burdensome, it leaves a significant void. There's no alternative plan laid out here. It’s like pulling the rug out from under student support programs without offering a replacement. This raises a big question: what now? How will postsecondary student success be supported without these guidelines? The lack of a clear path forward is a real concern for anyone who cares about making sure students have the resources they need to succeed.